Liver Abscess
A liver abscess is a localized collection of pus within the liver, typically resulting from an infection. It can be caused by bacteria, amoebae, or other pathogens.
Types :-
- Pyogenic Liver Abscess :- Caused by bacterial infections.
- Amoebic Liver Abscess :- Caused by Entamoeba histolytica, the parasite responsible for amoebiasis.
- Fungal Liver Abscess :- Caused by fungal infections, less common.
Causes :-
- Pyogenic Abscess :- Often results from infections originating from the bile ducts, the bloodstream, or nearby organs (e.g., appendicitis or diverticulitis).
- Amoebic Abscess :- Typically arises from amoebic dysentery, which can spread to the liver via the bloodstream.
- Fungal Abscess :- Typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms :-
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Jaundice (in some cases)
- General malaise
Diagnosis :-
- Imaging Tests :- Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI to visualize the abscess and assess its size and location.
- Blood Tests :- To identify infection markers and liver function.
- Liver Aspiration :- Using a needle to aspirate pus from the abscess for analysis, including culture and sensitivity testing.
Treatment :-
- Antibiotics :- For bacterial infections.
- Antiparasitic Medication :- For amoebic liver abscesses (e.g., metronidazole).
- Antifungal Medication :- For fungal abscesses.
- Surgical Drainage :- In some cases, especially if the abscess is large or not responding to medication.
- Percutaneous Drainage :- Using imaging guidance to insert a catheter to drain the abscess.
Complications :-
- Sepsis :- Systemic infection that can be life-threatening.
- Biliary Obstruction :- Can result from infection spreading to bile ducts.
- Liver Failure :- In severe or untreated cases.
Prognosis :-
- With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications.
Hydatid Cyst of the Liver
- Hydatid cysts are fluid-filled cysts caused by the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus. They primarily affect the liver but can also involve other organs.
Types :-
- Pyogenic Liver Abscess :- Caused by bacterial infections.
- Amoebic Liver Abscess :- Caused by Entamoeba histolytica, the parasite responsible for amoebiasis.
- Fungal Liver Abscess :- Caused by fungal infections, less common.
Causes :-
- Pyogenic Abscess :- Often results from infections originating from the bile ducts, the bloodstream, or nearby organs (e.g., appendicitis or diverticulitis).
- Amoebic Abscess :- Typically arises from amoebic dysentery, which can spread to the liver via the bloodstream.
- Fungal Abscess :- Typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms :-
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Jaundice (in some cases)
- General malaise
Diagnosis :-
- Imaging Tests :- Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI to visualize the abscess and assess its size and location.
- Blood Tests :- To identify infection markers and liver function.
- Liver Aspiration :- Using a needle to aspirate pus from the abscess for analysis, including culture and sensitivity testing.
Treatment :-
- Antibiotics :- For bacterial infections.
- Antiparasitic Medication :- For amoebic liver abscesses (e.g., metronidazole).
- Antifungal Medication :- For fungal abscesses.
- Surgical Drainage :- In some cases, especially if the abscess is large or not responding to medication.
- Percutaneous Drainage :- Using imaging guidance to insert a catheter to drain the abscess.
Complications :-
- Sepsis :- Systemic infection that can be life-threatening.
- Biliary Obstruction :- Can result from infection spreading to bile ducts.
- Liver Failure :- In severe or untreated cases.
Prognosis :-
- With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing serious complications.
HPB SURGERY F&Q'S
A localized collection of pus within the liver, usually caused by an infection.
Pyogenic (bacterial), amoebic (caused by Entamoeba histolytica), and fungal.
Fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, and jaundice.
A fluid-filled cyst in the liver caused by the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus.
Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) and Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE).
Often asymptomatic, but can include abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, jaundice, and nausea.